Penny Ares, a character known for her brief but impactful presence in The Vampire Diaries, met her tragic end in Season 7, Episode 16, “Days of Future Past.” This episode revealed her demise was part of Damon Salvatore’s dark spiral after being marked by the Phoenix Stone.
The Shocking Revelation: Damon’s Role in Penny’s Death
The “Days of Future Past” episode utilizes a time-jump narrative, showing the aftermath of Damon’s entanglement with the Phoenix Stone, a powerful artifact capable of trapping souls in personalized hellish realities. As the storyline unfolds, it becomes clear that Damon’s experiences within the stone deeply affected him, leading to actions he later desperately tried to bury and atone for. The episode meticulously reveals the circumstances surrounding Penny Ares’ death, exposing Damon’s vulnerability and the lengths to which Julian, another antagonist, manipulated him.
Penny, an army vet and hunting enthusiast, became an unwitting target in Damon’s attempt to confront Julian. Under Julian’s insidious influence and clouded judgment, Damon mistook Penny for a monster, tragically ending her life. The ensuing guilt and remorse plagued Damon for years, significantly shaping his future actions and relationships, particularly his bond with Bonnie Bennett. The episode strategically uses flashbacks to showcase the event, making the viewer question the reality of Damon’s actions while also emphasizing the destructive nature of the Phoenix Stone. The episode’s narrative structure keeps viewers guessing about Damon’s true role until the very end, creating a powerful dramatic reveal. The scene where Damon realizes what he has done is particularly impactful, showcasing Ian Somerhalder’s acting prowess as he navigates the complexities of guilt and regret.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Penny Ares and Her Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Penny Ares’ significance and the events surrounding her death in The Vampire Diaries:
Who exactly was Penny Ares?
Penny Ares was a former U.S. Army veteran introduced in Season 7 of The Vampire Diaries. She was portrayed as a skilled hunter and a determined individual, initially presented as a potential romantic interest for Matt Donovan. Her military background and hunting skills made her a formidable character, albeit one whose potential was cut short by her untimely death.
How did the Phoenix Stone influence Damon’s actions?
The Phoenix Stone trapped Damon’s soul in a personalized hell loop, forcing him to relive traumatic experiences. This amplified his existing insecurities and made him more susceptible to manipulation. Julian used the stone’s influence to distort Damon’s perception, convincing him that Penny was a monster threatening him and his loved ones. This manipulation was crucial in Damon’s misidentification and subsequent killing of Penny.
What were the immediate consequences of Penny’s death for Damon?
Immediately following Penny’s death, Damon was overwhelmed with guilt and regret. He attempted to suppress the memory and hide his involvement. This act of burying his guilt led to further complications and negatively impacted his relationships with those around him, especially Bonnie. The immediate consequence was a deep sense of self-loathing and a desire to atone for his actions, even if it meant pushing away those he cared about.
How did Penny’s death affect Damon and Bonnie’s relationship?
Penny’s death became a significant source of conflict between Damon and Bonnie. Bonnie learned the truth about Damon’s involvement and was deeply hurt by his actions and subsequent attempts to hide them. It took time for Bonnie to forgive Damon, and their relationship endured a significant period of strain. Her death acted as a catalyst for Bonnie’s character development, forcing her to confront Damon’s dark side and re-evaluate their friendship. Their eventual reconciliation highlighted the themes of forgiveness and redemption present throughout the series.
Why did Damon try to hide the truth about Penny’s death?
Damon tried to hide the truth because he was consumed by shame and guilt. He feared the consequences of his actions and the judgment of his friends, particularly Elena and Bonnie. He believed that revealing the truth would further damage his already fragile relationships and confirm his self-perception as a monster.
What role did Julian play in Penny’s death?
Julian played a manipulative role in Penny’s death. He exploited the influence of the Phoenix Stone to cloud Damon’s judgment, essentially setting him up to kill Penny. Julian’s overall goal was to cause chaos and torment Damon, and Penny’s death was a tragic consequence of his machinations.
How did Penny’s death contribute to Damon’s character arc?
Penny’s death served as a significant turning point in Damon’s character arc. It forced him to confront his darker tendencies and strive for redemption. The guilt he carried motivated him to become a better person and protect those he cared about. It spurred character development towards self-sacrifice and towards a desire to be worthy of Elena’s love. The weight of his actions regarding Penny haunted him, pushing him to confront his past and build a more responsible future.
Did Matt Donovan ever find out about Damon’s involvement in Penny’s death?
Yes, eventually Matt Donovan discovered the truth about Damon’s involvement in Penny’s death. While the exact scene of his discovery isn’t explicitly shown, it’s implied he learned the details sometime after Bonnie did. This further fueled Matt’s animosity towards vampires and solidified his commitment to protecting Mystic Falls from supernatural threats.
Was Penny a recurring character or a one-off appearance?
Penny’s character appeared in a limited number of episodes in Season 7. While she wasn’t a recurring character in the same vein as Elena, Stefan, or Damon, her death had a lasting impact on the storyline and character development, particularly Damon’s.
What was the audience’s reaction to Penny’s death?
The audience’s reaction to Penny’s death was mixed. Some viewers felt sympathy for her character and criticized Damon for his actions. Others argued that Damon was a victim of circumstance, manipulated by Julian and the Phoenix Stone. The episode sparked debate about the morality of the characters and the complexities of their relationships, proving to be a compelling narrative tool for the show.
What themes does Penny’s death explore in The Vampire Diaries?
Penny’s death explores several key themes prevalent in The Vampire Diaries, including guilt, redemption, manipulation, forgiveness, and the consequences of violence. It highlights the cyclical nature of violence and the burden of the past. It showcases the capacity for both good and evil within the characters and raises questions about personal responsibility and the potential for change.
How does Penny’s death impact the overall plot of Season 7?
Penny’s death significantly impacted the overall plot of Season 7 by further complicating Damon’s storyline and influencing his relationships with other characters. It became a central conflict point, driving the narrative forward and setting the stage for future conflicts and resolutions. It also contributes to the overall darker tone of the season, exploring the themes of trauma and the struggle for redemption in a world filled with supernatural threats. It emphasizes the long-lasting impact of choices and the enduring consequences of vampire actions on the lives of humans and other supernatural beings.